Remnants of the Watts Festival (1980)

In 1972, photographer Ulysses Jenkins captured a pivotal moment in African American cultural history at the Watts Summer Festival, a long-standing and vital celebration in the U.S. Created by the community itself after the 1965 Watts uprising as a symbol of unity, the festival offered a space for expression. Jenkins's film intimately documents the event, featuring lively performances and highlighting the festival’s multicultural atmosphere through footage of a set by War. The California band, known for songs like "Low Rider" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?", embodied the multiethnic spirit of both their music and the festival. The film showcases the community spirit behind this annual event and counters negative news portrayals from the time, serving as a lasting tribute to art and community overcoming hardship and celebrating cultural heritage.